Venkatesh’s ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunam’ Powers Indian Box Office to $116 Million in January – Global Bulletin

FESTIVAL FORTUNES

India’s 2025 box office kicked off in high gear, powered by a Sankranthi holiday-fueled Telugu-language onslaught that pushed local grosses past the INR10,130 million ($116.6 million) mark. Leading the charge was “Sankranthiki Vasthunam,” starring Venkatesh, a genre-bending blockbuster that towered over the month’s chart with a commanding $23 million haul.

Per Ormax Media, January’s Indian local gross, not counting overseas numbers, was bolstered by three Telugu juggernauts – “Sankranthiki Vasthunam,” “Game Changer,” and “Daaku Maharaaj” – which collectively amassed over $55 million) The trio’s dominance ensured Telugu cinema accounted for a staggering 44% of the month’s box office share.

The success of “Sankranthiki Vasthunam” underscores Telugu cinema’s continued stranglehold on Sankranthi, a peak season that routinely delivers high-octane performers. The film, which defied genre conventions, resonated strongly with audiences, proving that festival season remains fertile ground for Telugu tentpoles. Normally, Tamil-language cinema also roars during this period, with the Pongal festival holidays falling on the same dates as Sankranthi. However, this year, Tamil’s sole breakout was “Madha Gaja Raja,” which managed a respectable $5.7 million tally.

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Meanwhile, the Hindi-language Bollywood saw a slow start to 2025, with only “Sky Force” being a hit in January with $11.5 million, keeping the industry’s market share below 30%. Tamil films claimed 12% of the month’s earnings, while Malayalam productions secured 9%.

FEMME FORWARD

Women’s hub, the She Pavilion, is due to launch at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The initiative comes from Yes She Cannes, after their successful Her Club Cannes debut at Villa Forbes last year. While focusing on female empowerment, the pavilion will welcome all genders, serving as a networking nexus and safe space for industry pros navigating the fest. Programming will include panels and exclusive events aimed at boosting underrepresented voices in the biz. Prop baby outfit Cinebaby has signed on as a key partner.

“This hub is not just another venue – it’s a community, a place for collaboration and empowerment,” says Yes She Cannes founder Faith Elizabeth. “By creating the She Pavilion, we are ensuring that women at Cannes have a place where they feel supported, connected, and empowered to take up space in the industry.”

QUEER QUEST

Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal have signed on to present “Taps,” an LGBTQ+ relationship drama, for its YouTube premiere. The short film, directed by Arvind Caulagi, was produced by Sudhanshu Saria in partnership with Kashish Film Festival and Lotus Visual Productions. The film, starring newcomers Ullas Samrat and Ronit Mehra, explores a couple’s journey toward reconciliation. It earned recognition as the recipient of the Kashish QDrishti Film Grant before its festival run.

“Cinema can shift perspectives,” Chadha said. “‘Taps’ peels back the layers of identity, love, and self-acceptance. We want people to open their hearts a little more.” Fazal added: “The film captures something intimate, raw, and real. It reminds us that love isn’t just about who we love but how we love —with honesty, courage, and resilience.”

Producer Saria, known for “Loev,” drew parallels between the two projects: “It felt like the perfect way to build on ‘Loev’s legacy in queer cinema by supporting another story that normalizes queer representation.” Co-producer Neeraj Churi added: “Stories like ‘Taps’ are about representation and holding a mirror to society, asking if we are ready to accept love in all its forms.”

MODERN MAYHEM

India’s Jio Studios, Merry Go Round Studios and Mumbai Talkeez have unveiled the trailer for their upcoming family comedy “Kaushaljis vs Kaushal,” helmed by director Seemaa Desai.

The film centers on 27-year-old Yug Kaushal, who trades his small-town Kannauj life for Delhi’s urban landscape. When his criticism of his parents’ traditional lifestyle unexpectedly leads them to consider a mutual separation while embracing modernity, Yug must navigate the unintended consequences of his actions.

The project is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Umesh Shukhla, Ashish Wagh and Parag Desai, and explores themes of urbanization and evolving family dynamics through a comedic lens. It set to stream on JioHotstar, the platform formed through the coming together of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, from Feb. 21.